teenagers

A federal judge says it is quote “mind boggling” that Cook County forces juveniles to wait more than 48 hours locked up over the weekend before they get a hearing. The parents of four teenagers are suing the county for keeping their kids in jail for more than two days without seeing a judge.

Governor Bruce Rauner has signed a measure expanding an Illinois law that lets 17-year-olds vote in a primary if they're 18 by the general election.

The new plan now allows 17-year-olds to participate in more primaries for local offices, like for mayor, if they're 18 by the general contest. They'll also be able to circulate petitions for candidates and ballot questions and help others register to vote.

The law takes effect immediately. Lawmakers approved it with overwhelming support.

The Illinois House Wednesday approved legislation that would lower the voting age for some teenagers. IPR’s Chris Salby has more.

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The proposal would allow 17 year olds to vote in primary elections as long as they're 18 by the General Election in November. Representative Jerry Costello, a Democrat from Smithton, pointed out that 17 year olds can serve in the military.